Once in very nice rooms in the east end of the Palace, Althea see's to unpacking the very full trunk and coffin while Kitten arranged for a bath and food for herself and her companions. Anwen finds a seat and just collapses in to it. Thinking back to the events before joining these two here.

She had just closed the portal behind the pair when the guards finally made it to the door. They were battering it down, yelling obscenities and calling for the guards supposedly in this room.

Using the mirrors features to see beyond, Anwen focused and teleported herself to a cliff overlooking the prison. From there she could see the prison was actually built in to the mountain itself, which meant starting a land slide would not be enough to end the horrible place. Looking about and seeking an answer she realized that this was not just a mountain, but a sleeping volcano. Searching her memory and new knowledge on such things she determined if she could somehow stoke its flames she might set it off.

So she started to tunnel in to the mountain by teleporting out large chunks of rock and dropping those in front of (or on top of) the entrance to the prison. Singing to herself, "One way in, One Way out, block the road and no one lives through Boom town." not any kind of rhyme but for her own amusement it did not have to make sense. Once the tunnel is deep enough she uses the staves magic to launch in several lightning bolts and fireballs to ignite the gasses with in. It works to, better than expected as both the side and top of the no longer sleeping giant explode.

With a thought, even as she is blown in to the air, she vanishes, appearing on the far side of the prison island, where she can see the destruction but for now, not be much affected by it.

"There, prison destroyed, prisoners set free, job done. Now maybe I can get back to my life." she turns to walk away only to have the white lady appear before her. "You have to return to Althea now." states the spirit. Looking surprised, "But why, I did what they summoned me for. "

The spirit is still, looking a little pensive then she explains, "It’s the wish she made you see. Her wording was a bit all over, starvation can do that you know, but she never put a time or event limit on it. The one she got from the wish, well it's for life, yours or hers. hm, reference point .. AH, you know the fate deck from your game ?" Anwen nervously nods, "Well in effect she drew your card, the page of Wands, binding you to her. The only way out is another wish of our level. Wizards of this time are limited to spells of the 6th rank with a few figuring out the 7th rank. You however don't have that limitation. Your spell book has things in it all the way to the ninth."

Anwen shakes her head, "Actually my spell book is blank save for a notation of what level each section is supposed to have. Whomever you had making that up flubbed it."

The spirit looks shocked then puts her hands over her face, "When I get back I am going to beat some small minions in to smaller minions. I swear we have never had so much trouble with a wish before. I think that luck limit of yours is working retroactively."

Nodding, "Actually I had it in lesser form when I was younger, it's why I ended up being a home body so much. Things were attracted to me, a few tried to get rid of me to. That pretty much killed any adventuring I would have done otherwise."

She nods in understanding. "Stay here, I will be Right back."

She vanishes only to reappear less than a second later, her hands now covered in glowing dots that looks slightly like ghostly blood. She hands over a slender volume to Anwen, "Here you go. This is an enchanted spell book, only you can read it. It contains every spell ever devised in your games, including the fridge books, Unearthed Arcana, Role Master, Chain Mail, and other 'fantasy' types. You will still have to learn how to use and access them and you can only read ahead a small amount to keep you from accidently blowing yourself or the world up. On this world, it is Not your own, 2 visible moons for one. The larger green moon is actually a forest moon and was moved here by the ancient elves. There are 2 smaller moons, not visible from the surface, one of which is actually a good sized spell jamming port.

While much of the Human World is following your worlds history up to this point that will not always be true and you can change things by introducing idea's to this world.

On your being here when you started to appear in the 13th century, you were still in the system so to speak, and Althea's wish specified Tall, Pretty, redhead, and powerful. You fit the bill so they just moved you as this time fit one of your requirements, No Christians, at least not for another 1200 years and Rome will not be founded till around 750bc, I am not totally sure on the dates as my kind exist outside of what you think of as time. Lastly, this era is the end of the Age of Legend, the meeting point between the age of bronze and the age of iron as you know it. It’s a blank space in the historians of your world to. Lots of barbarians and others trying to take over. Lots of trouble for you to walk in to, work around, or help create. I think that covers everything. Oh one last thing, and this is all on me cause I am frustrated with the amounts of stupidity that I have had to deal with." Bops Anwen on the head then vanishes.

Stunned, rubbing the top of her head she looks about, places the enchanted book in her bag, then seeks out Althea's aura and teleports to her.

Anwen reaches into her bag, now at her feet, and pulls out the thin black book. Opening it she sees the pages are thin, white with small font words, diagrams, and list. The book has the feel of a book, but also a computer tablet, it’s a strange mix to be sure. It has every spell she has ever heard of and a few new ones to. Including everything she would ever want to know about creating magical items, scrolls and even alchemy. This is a True Book of Infinite Spells. Looking at the index she sees the spell list goes all the way to the fabled level 10. Those being Godly level spells. In order for her to have such a powerful book that entity must have been majorly pissed off with that section. Going by the blood stains on her, not someone Anwen wants mad at her.

Althea comes over and sits at her feet, "What's that ?"

Anwen, distractedly, "My spell book. Mages have to constantly study magic if they want to work spells."

Althea nods, "I have heard that. I wanted to be a mage when I was younger, but I kept running in to dirty old men who saw me as a sex object instead of an apprentice. Long story there, ended up learning to fight instead, found Kitten, saved her life, fell in love, she fell for me, we are together now. End of story."

Anwen shakes her head, "You would never make it as a story teller."

Kitten comes up behind them and leans on Anwens' shoulder, "True, but new question. Why did you come to us and not just leave once your mission was completed ?"

Looking up and sighing, "I can't. I tried but it turns out Althea's rambling wish bound me to her. I can't leave till one of us is Dead. Also I can't purposely kill her or work on her demise, so that is not an option either. So your stuck with me. A mage from 2000 years in an alternate future. My world so you understand, only has 1 moon, the small silver one. But the spirit of the wish assured me that the human history pretty much runs like it did in my time. As long as the other races stay out of it."

Kitten nods, "Good to know. So other than skills, do you know of any future devices or tactics that could be of use to us."

"Sure lots. Just got to sort out things in my head first. And a nap, I am very tired. Blowing up a mountain is not easy." Althea leads her over to her pallet, "You can rest here. We will call you when the food is delivered." Anwen nods, lays down, then gets up, grabs her bags, then lays down holding them to her.

Off in another room Kitten and Althea move. Sitting down and occasionally glancing through the door at their new companion Althea sighs, "I screwed up didn't I ? I did not mean to bind anyone to us." she says forlornly. Kitten pats her knee, "Yes you did and she is bound to you not me." Althea grins at Kitten, "But I am bound to you, so US. I like being yours though." Kitten nods, "But you had a choice, she did not. She is a strong person I think and being bound is chaffing on her soul. She is not one to give her allegiance easily I think, either. But in so many ways she is a child and probably needs us, not that she is likely to admit that. Strong people often don't. What worries me Is while she said she can't kill you or do anything to get you killed, well she is a mage and I really don't want you to end up a toad or the like. Having a toad as a thrall is just not all its cut out to be."

Now looking a touch fearful, "I don't want to be a toad either. Do you think she has that kind of power ?" Petting her girls black locks, "Love she moved a mountain and Dropped it on the prison. Other than Gods I don't know of anyone who could do something like that. So I suspect that yes she can do something as simple as turn you in to something else. I will give you this, when you mess up you do it right." Althea bites her lips, "Each time I mess up it seems its worse the next time around. I don't know why you put up with me sometimes."

"I put up with you because I love you. Only reason some days, but you do good things to you know. I would not still be here if not for you on several occasions. Remember that to." Althea nods, leaning in to Kittens hand.

Meanwhile in Rob / Anwen's dreams.

She / he is in a large crowded room. There are people and … things, moving about, some look like monsters, others 2 dimensional drawings that are moving around with barely affected by the 3rd dimensional world around them. There are many glowing beings to, some look to be in bandages and cast as they help the assorted beings.

Striding around the group is a man with the head of an Ibis, he is talking to some other strange looking people, some with the heads of animals, some just animals while others look like people in a very loose sense of the word.

Rob knows them to be the gods of the nearby countries and chooses to avoid them despite his curiosity.

Trying not to draw attention he slides toward the back of the lines, only to trip over a spotted cat that wraps itself around his leg. He looks down at it and calmly says, "Sorry did not see you down there. I hope I did not hurt you."

The cat smiles, as much as cats in dreams can and purrs in a woman's voice, "Oh not at all. I was just looking for comfy shoes to sit on."

Rob looks perplexed, "I can never tell if cats are joking or serious when they say stuff like that. "

The cat gives him a curious look, "You talk to cats often do you ?"

Nodding, "Well back home I had 3 cats who lived with me. One came to me after her mistress died, the other two were born under the house where I lived. I took them in, cared for them, got scratched up allot as they were semi-wild and well I like to hug."

The cat laughs in her purring tones, "Yes I can see that happening. But Talking to them and they answering is unusual is it not ?"

He shakes his head, "Not really, I mean it's all telepathic and tricky to learn cause they don't always want to share. But I worked it out, not that I can do it every time. "

She nods, "So that is why you're not surprised I can speak to you."

He shrugs, "Well this is a dream scape after all."

She sits up on her hind legs, "How do you know your dreaming ?"

Nodding at the paper man walking by, "Well the cartoon characters kind of give it away. Also the words on the board up there change only when I look away. In all my training of dream control I have never been able to keep things from changing once I look away. I can talk to anyone, read books and papers, but I can't keep things from moving around or the words to stay the same if I turn a page then look back again."

The cat almost falls over, "You are an interesting one. I may have to keep an eye on you. What is your name strange one."

Rob goes quiet, "Don't know any more. I know who I used to be, but I am not them anymore, I don't live in that world anymore. I got moved to another world and time. I don't even look like me anymore. People say to reinvent yourself, which I suppose I will need to do now, but they don't tell you how hard It is to do that."

The cat nods, sort of looks glassy eyed then nods some more, "Ok, well I am Bast, do you know the name ?"

Rob nods slowly, "Egyptian cat goddess, protection, and sex if I recall correctly. Not to confused with the lioness headed goddess. Bast animals are the house cats mostly. Cat shifters are often called Bastets in honor of her." The purr deepens, "Oh yes you know. I see you getting many cats around your waking self."

Rob smiles, "I like cats. Ironically I am traveling with an immortal called Kitten right now."

Bast rolls over, "OH I know her, she is nice. Great friend to Egypt she is. Annoys the king by calling him Rammie. She would make a good cat."

Rob grins, "Just needs to learn Protean, at level 4 that power grants an animal form." Bast just nods, then Rob / Anwen is awoken by someone touching her waking form.

Popping awake a spell ball forming in her hand Althea yelps and falls back, "I DO NOT WANT TO BE A TOAD!" she practically screams.

Anwen slowly takes her prone form in and the ball disappears, "What ?"

Althea pulling herself together, "I saw the magic ball and well you are a mage and your peeved with me so …"

Anwen nods, "No worries, I don't turn people in to toads or frogs."

Kitten smiles, "Well that’s good."

Anwen nods, "I prefer bunny's. Big plump white ones. Good for cooking." Althea just rolls over in a dead faint. Anwen smiles mischievously, Kitten blinks, "Um, you said that just to scare her didn't you."

Anwen nods, "I don't presently have the spell to transform anyone handy. The spell ball was a defensive spell, in case I was being robbed or attacked." Kitten nods, "You’re a light sleeper to." Anwen nods, "I was poor for a long time, people though still rob the poor, so I am a bit defensive." Kitten nods, knowing about how people can be. "She came to wake you cause the food is here. Well your food is here, they are still looking for mine." Anwen nods, "Oh right, food. meh, I was having an interesting dream to."

Kitten smiles, "Really, care to tell me about it ?"

Shrugging as she sits up, kicking Althea's foot in the process, which has the girl bolting awake and then running to hide behind her Mistress, "Sure. I was in this huge hall full of all sorts of people, everything from normal people, to monsters, to living drawings, to gods. I was trying Not to get the gods attention as they seemed busy with something. As I was skirting the edge of the hall I tripped over a cat, tried to excuse myself but she decided I was worth talking to. Don't recall the whole of the conversation, but toward the end she said her name was Bast, asked if I knew the name, told her I did and what I recalled about it. She asked me my name and I told her I did not know as I am uncertain about who I am now. She started to say something more but I got woke up before I learned what she was going to say." Kitten nods sagely, Althea faints again. Anwen twist around to watch the dark haired warrior hit the floor, "She keeps fainting like that she is going to hurt herself." Kitten waves it off, "Mundane things she can handle, talking to gods, even in dreams, and well you being a mage and all, it's a little much for her." Anwen nods, "Gods I can handle, not the first time I have spoken with them. Used to have lovely conversations with Tiamat years ago. She can be quiet nice with the proper prompting." Kitten stares down at Althea, silently wishing she could faint to. If Anwen is not a goddess she is one certainly likely to become one, and due to Althea's messed up wish she was bound to them. For the first time in their partnership Kitten considers just leaving the girl to her fate. But then she looks at that familiar face and knows in her heart she could never do that. Self-preservation or no.

Anwen gets up, gestures and Althea floats in to the air then walks in to the other room with the girl floating behind her. Anwen takes one look at the food and puts Althea down next to it. Lightly kicks the girl, which is all it takes to wake her and stands back as the girl shows herself to be a human vacuum.

Anwen looks up at Kitten "That is the food ? No thank you. I think I will stick to my ration packs for now."

The feast has roast crocodile, deep fried bugs (locust most likely), monkey brains and other delicacies. The only part Anwen takes are some fruits and nuts, leaving the strange feast to the girl.

Kitten makes a face to, "Yeah, I used to miss food, but in my day it was either fresh roasted meat and fruits, nuts and sometimes special grasses. What they eat now rarely looks appetizing to me."

Anwen nods in agreement, "I tried alligator once, tasted like fish crossed with chicken. I did not care for it. Never have been able to eat bugs though, something about the idea makes my stomach rebel. And I don't really want to try monkey brains, to close to human brains for my taste."

Kitten grins, "Yeah I will stick with blood." Anwen nods, "Given the choice of this stuff and blood I would take the blood to." Kitten burst out laughing.

There is a knock and a slender but health looking black man is brought in. They indicate he is Kittens requested meal. She is looking him over when Anwen jerks and then magically pulls Kitten away before she can take a bite.

Kitten, "HEY, What are you doing ?"

Anwen points at the man's eyes, "He has been drugged, possibly more. Give me a minute, I have some spells to see if he has been poisoned."

She looks shocked, but does note the glazed drugged look, "How did you know ?"

Anwen looks up from her book for a second, "Do you have Auspex ? If so check out his aura, that is not a healthy looking thing."

Kitten rubs her eyes then squints at the man, the lines of black and sickly green shooting through this man's aura speak of an awful fate had she not been stopped. "Oh yuck. Auspex is not an ability I am much good with. Say how do you know of Auspex ?"

Shrugging while going over the mage equivalent of Priest spell for neutralizing poisons, "Part of my mage training. Being able to see aura's and such really helps with casting spells or looking over other peoples spells and magical items. Not to mention it's good for seeing a person's true nature and motivations, though not as good as telepathy for mind reading. I still have trouble with that one." Kitten nods, yep going to have to keep an eye on this one. Though in truth she knows very little about Elven magic, only that it is strange and powerful.

After several minutes of reading, and a short disgusted snort, "Ok I can cure any diseases that are not magic resistant, but I can't remove any drugs or poisons, that spell is beyond me. Ironically I can purify food and drink of poisons or decay pretty easily. And we probably should have checked the food first." looking over at Althea who is holding a piece of meat just outside of her mouth now. Then looking down at her feast and turning a light shade of green, "Your saying this could all be poisoned ?" Anwen nods, "Yep, but as it's all dead it has very little aura so I have to use other means to figure that out."

Fortunately a detect poison spell is easy, only of the first level. Anwen cast that one first, using a bit of incense and a candle. The crocodile glows green, some of the fruit shows up a sickly brown. The man is a mix of poisons and diseases. Deadly even for a vampire. "Green is venom, asp most likely though could be scorpion, not sure about the brown, hmm ah here, sickly brown is, oh cute a reverse preservation spell, making things rot faster. That one would just give you food poisoning, probably make the venom work faster to if taken in combination. Well fortunately there is a simple cure for these poisons, you just got to eat charcoal, lots of it. Stuff pulls the toxins right out of you. As for this man, he was pretty much dead before they brought him to you. From the look of things he was poisoned only a few hours ago at most. Have to do a reading spell to see if I can learn who did this. Need something though that only he and the poisoner would have touched. That part would be hard."

Kitten is giving the man a good looking over and makes a small bark, "Stuck in his neck, just under his collar, a sliver of something, could that be what you need ?"

Looking close at the spot, Anwen nods and slowly, using her telekinesis, pulls the long black silver needle out of the man's neck. The needle glows with a sickly green color to, "It's how the poisons were put in. Good eye there Kitten."

Being Very careful with it Anwen sits and focuses her mind on the object, trying to peel back the memories surrounding it. Taking her on a backwards trip in time to the owner of the needle. She cast a simple still image cantrip so the others can see what she sees. They see the man, smiling and active, flirting with a pretty girl, then a man with a jealous look took the slave man to another man, then the new man, one with a snake tattoo on the inside of his underarm, pulled out the needle from a hidden pouch in his belt and jabbed it in to the black man's neck. Then the slave man is led by a different servant to the ladies. That servant was there when the poison was administered.

Kitten calls to the posted guard to please get the servant who brought the slave. While that guard is gone Anwen is rolling the memory of the men who were present when the needle was first drawn out and they see 3 of the guards and another figure who is hidden in shadow, but looks female by its form. One of the guards is the one Kitten sent to look for the servant. She is now furious.

Anwen calmly states, "Let me handle them, I am the unknown here and as such the one likely to cause more fear in them. Also I can do things you can't."

Althea, now eating a piece of burnt wood, "She's right you know. She is more scary than we are." Kitten nods and sighs, "That is true. After all, all we can do is torture them, you can do far worse things than that." Anwen nods.

The guard, playing dumb, returns with the servant who glances over at the slave. "Was this slave not to your liking mistress ?" the servant ask.

Anwen answers, "Do you know where this slave was taken from ?"

The servant shakes his head, Anwen tells him, "He is one of the Queen's personal servants. Kitten could not possibly make use of him as it would be a major insult to the Queen. Also, " the black silver needle floats in the air, "He has been poisoned by the man with the snake tattoo, the one you both witnessed happening." The guard pulls his sword and lunges toward Anwen, who just calmly points and says a single word. A green bolt of energy leaps from her, paralyzing the guard instantly. "Rude, now then Who sent you ? I can find out either by you telling me or my ripping out your soul and learning it from there. Spirits can't lie you see. The magic forces them to speak Only the truth. But it's messy and if I do it wrong well it’s a bad way to die."

She stares intently at him as he literally starts to sweat, obviously considering running, but Kitten is between him and the only exit and the servant, who is eating a charred stick, is flipping one of her deadly knives in the air and watching him and the rest of the room. He knows the dark mistress of Set will kill him for this failure, but none thought the foreign witch would be this dangerous. To so easily foil this plan to remove the false one from the world. Better to die here then than to anger Set further. He reaches for a hidden poisoned blade only to be struck by another of those strange green lights, his muscles tighten then freeze. It is a most agonizing sensation.

Anwen gets up and walks around, taking the guards weapon, peeking around a door and freezing the second guard, who was pointing a cross bow in to the room, then she carefully removes the bolt before taking his weapons, lastly she moves over to the servant and removes all his weapons.

"Servants of Set it seems. Poisoned weapons to. They call you the False One by the way." Anwen reports.

Althea, after swallowing some water, "I thought you said you can't read minds."

Kitten answers, "No she said it was difficult for her, not that she cannot do it." Anwen nods.

"Still one guard, the poisoner and that woman left unaccounted for." looks at the first guard, "Lady of the Serpent, and one of the Queen's handmaidens, interesting. Names Nelloran. This one is easy to read, he practically shouts his thoughts." Anwen pats him on the head as she heads back to her room, "The other guard is with her as cover for her."

A minute later Anwen comes back, wearing her cloak and gear. Althea, "Where are you going ?"

Anwen, "To warn the king he has a serpents nest of assassins in his palace."

Althea, "Then why take all your stuff ?"

Anwen, "I am NOT leaving anything of mine behind. Never know when I will get thrown in to another place and time, not taking any chances."

Kitten nods, understanding more and more about this calm face their new mage is showing the world. Of the fear that face is hiding almost perfectly. Having a wonderful gift given only to have things go wrong was bad enough, but not even being able to enjoy that gift before having it used to make a servant of her to someone not nearly as bright as she and in such a different and alien place. Yes she understood. She was terrified it or worse could happen again. She has very little in the world and she is not likely to let it out of her sight if she can help it for a very long time.

Anwen Stops long enough to turn all the frozen people in to white rats, then drop them in to a large heavy leather sack, which she uses to carry them with her to find the Pharaoh. Kitten, now dressed properly and Althea, follow. Curious to see how this will play out.

Part way along to where Kitten said where the Royal chambers are at, an overly officious servant tries to stop them, Anwen does not even stop her pace, forcing the servant to jog to keep up with the tall woman.

"You can Not just enter the Royal rooms, It is not done. You must follow protocols and procedures. I don't know who you Think you are. Even visiting Gods must follow procedures, Are you squeak squeak squeak" his droning voice suddenly coming from very far away as several cats come from all over and surround the group.

Looking wide eyed at Kitten, "I didn't do that." Anwen states, a moment later a tall, elegantly dressed woman steps up to them, "I did that, He is such a bother, always trying to tell everyone how things Should be done. But saying that even the Gods have to do things in such a manor was going too far. Gods go where they please, mortal rules be damned. "

Anwen looks sideways at the woman, slowing her pace, "Your voice is familiar but your face is not."

The woman smiles, "Oh I thought it might be you. We were interrupted earlier, you just vanished. I suppose someone woke you."

Anwen slowly nods, "Your Bast then ?"

The woman's smile widens, "Yes very good. Most mortals don't have good dream recall I am pleased you remember." Anwen nods, "I remember most of my dreams. At least to some extent. Sometimes for years after. Sometimes not. You’re the first person I ever met in the waking world I ever met in a dream world first though."

Bast smile lights up even more, "Well I feel honored then. So what is the hurry ?"

Anwen nods again, straightening her thoughts, "Group of Settites tried to kill us during our meal. Poisoned the food, poisoned Kittens food. I managed to capture 3, I turned them in to white rats. I got the faces of 2 more and the name of their leader here." Bast smile vanishes and she looks grim, "Then we have no time to loose. As you may know, Set and I are old enemies. I will not allow him nor his in my places if I have a say in the matter." she takes a place next to the elf and joins in the invasion of the Royal Chambers. Bast freezes the guards in place and the parade of cats leads the way. Anwen grins, "Your certainly handy to have around aren't you." Bast nods, "Yes, I am pretty to, though I think your sex appeal is stronger than mine. Someone went a little over board on you there." Anwen nods, "Weird Luck crossed with a god level wish to be pretty and someone screwing up part of the wish for a beautiful and sexy companion. I got turned in to my dream companion, with a double dose of the sexy."

Bast gets a look of sudden comprehension, "So that is what got those fellows all beat up. Royally screwed up someone's wish did they. There had to be more to it than that, but I get the feeling that it was a cascade event. After we deal with Ramsey you will have to tell me the whole of it." she declares.

Ramsey and Neferatari were just getting ready to sit down to their own dinner when the group pushed their way past the now frozen guards. Anwen cast her detection spell the moment they entered the room. 4 candles glowed with frozen blue radiance, a basin of incenses' turned an ugly shade of black and Ramsey's desert turned an unwholesome shade of green shot through with redish black tendrils. A second spell from Anwen froze a slowly escaping 'food tester' in place.

Ramsey jolted at the sight of his food and stood, "What is the meaning of this ?" he demands in his best God of Man voice.

Before the mortals can speak Bast steps in, "You got snakes in your house. The lovely elf mage caught them trying to poison her and her companions and got 3 of those in league of this nefarious plot. Her magic even now is showing things of poisonous nature in this room."

Anwen nods, "And the man I froze there is the one who poisoned your food. I believe if you check under his arms you will find a small snake tattoo." Bast unfreezes a couple of guards and with the Pharaohs ok they check. Under the man's left arm, in the pit, is a small tattoo of an asp. Neferatari looks stricken, "He was chosen by one of my handmaidens."

Anwen nods, "Nelloran" Neferatari nods, "How did you know ?" The mage sighs, "I learned from one of my prisoners that she is a priestess of Set and the one behind this conspiracy."

The Pharaoh, looking quietly enraged, "where are these prisoners of yours ?"

Anwen shrugs and dumps the 3 paralyzed white rats on the floor, "I turned them in to rats for ease of transport." The Pharaoh nods, "Then please turn them back." Anwen nods and waves her cane over them. They shimmer then morph back in to human form, still frozen. "There is another guard and the lady." With a wave of her hand a still image of the other two appear in the air. Ramsey's sends guards to apprehend them.

While waiting he turns to the group, "Thank you for that but who is this new person ?"

Bast nudges Anwen, who just sighs, "Ramsey's the second it is my pleasure to introduce you to Bast queen of cats and foe of Set the serpent." said in a pure deadpan voice.

Bast gives Anwen a look, "You know you could have put a little more emotion in to that."

Anwen nods, "Yep, but I am tired, hungry and pissed that my meal was inedible. My head hurts from all the magic and psychic powers I have been forced to do on an empty stomach. Your lucky to get that nice of an introduction from me right now."

Bast actually grins, "I like her, does not care if you’re a king or a god. She is so very much like a cat, more so than most other elves."

Ramseys' is quiet for a moment then grins, then softly chuckles at that and nods. That said from the Goddess of Cats is saying something and helps lower the tension in the room a little. Assassination attempts are not new, but this one managed to get in closer than most.

Neferatari looks at Anwen, "Something more bothering you child ?" Anwen nods to the candles, "I have never seen that aura before." The queen nods, "Those candles are enchanted by the Priest of Re to protect us from air bourn poisons. The incense over there is a mild narcotic, so it is poisonous in large doses but it smells nice. See ?"

Anwen nods, "Ah the candles counter act the incense and stop any other such poisons. Nice."

Ramsey looks forlornly at his desert, "I was so looking forward to that. We don't get this often here as the fruit is from far away." he explains to the mage. She slowly nods, "Ah, what is it made from ?"

The queen sighs, "Apples from Greece actually."

Nodding, "If your interested I may have something different. Not sure if I have apple" she says as her head disappears in to her cloak, her voice getting muffled, "I got all kinds of things in here, not the best organized stuff .. bag of gold, nope, horse, no, … badger, really ? huh wonder how that got in here … AH." Comes out pulling a white mound in a tin plate, the edges lightly browned, "Found it. This is a coconut cream pie. Coconuts are only found in tropical regions and are really big nuts.

Ramsey nods, "I have heard of them before. Did not know you could make things with them." Anwen nods and cuts small pieces for everyone to try.

Anwen taking a piece for herself, "There are actually many different versions of this pie. This is just a basic one made with egg cream and vanilla."

Everyone but Kitten takes a taste and all agree it is quite good, it's different and exotic and gone all to soon, with Ramsey licking out the pan. Royal privilege he says. Anwen grins, "If you like, it would take me a little while but I can make another. It's just a matter of getting the ingredients together." Ramsey nods, "It was very rich to. Thank you it was very kind of you to replace my ruined desert." He says this as the lady Nellorun is brought in. Glaring at her guards and bowing to the royals, "Pardon but what is the meaning of this ?"

Bast is walking around her, poking the air around her suspiciously, then pulls 'Something' from the girl and holds it up, "Snake skin, interesting. Made to hide her true nature from magical scans. They are getting trickier all the time."

Neferatari looks disappointed, "You tried to kill us. You tried to kill our guest. I am very disappointed in you. If not for this mage you may have succeeded. But we are fortunate she is here."

Anwen, looking at the girl, "Try it, I will happily remove you from the human race. Nope that won't work. Why yes I am reading your mind, it's easy now that Bast has removed that vale, yes that is indeed the Goddess. You may shit yourself now. Yeah I am just a mage, do you really think She is not reading your thoughts to. Boy you are stupid." there is a flash of light and the girl, who was making a gesture, turns in to a legless mouse.

Anwen to Bast, "Ooo that is nice. Never think to remove the limbs like that myself." Bast nods, "Makes it harder for them to work spells without limbs. Trying to attack a goddess, foolish child. Well this is one I will take with me. I am sure you can deal with the rest. I will speak with you later elf girl." and she is gone. The cats though stay and beg for scraps, which they get.

The loyal guards quickly gather up the remaining assassins and take them away.

Ramsey looks thoughtful, "I need to think of a proper reward for you now. I could offer you a position in my court ?"

Anwen frowns, "Sorry can't do that. I am under prior obligations. The type that if I try to avoid doing them I die. I really don't want to die."

The queen sits up straight, "Who put you under this obligation ?" Althea raises her hand and looks sheepish, "I did, by accident. See we were trapped in that prison and I well I have had this magical card for years. It had 1 wish attached to it and I could never think of anything to use the wish for. I was starving and my Mistress was locked in her box and well between lack of food, little hope and my own dreams, I made a foolishly worded wish. That wish brought Anwen to us who freed us, and all who would come, from the prison, then she destroyed the prison because we asked her to. At the time we thought that would be the end of her obligation to us. Turns out I worded something wrong and she is bound to me till one of us dies. Given we are both long lived beings, this can take a while."

Ramsey looks at Anwen, "This is true ?" Anwen nods, "Elves can live anywhere from 300 to 1000 years depending on several factors, health, quality of life, family history, species. There are 5 main races of Elf, I am a mixed child, mother was a wild elf, also called a wood elf. They are the closest elves come to having a barbarian type, my father was a grey elf, also called stone elf as they live in mountains and stone like structures, they often have pale skin and silver or white hair. They are the most haughty of the elves to, and the longest lived. Rumors say some of them have lived upwards of 2000 years, but that is a little hard to prove. Anyway the Wild elves tend to be on the bottom of the aging list at 300 to 400 years. Only time will tell which side is more dominant for me."

The queen looks from Althea to Anwen and back, "Just based on their ability to talk I would say they are a good match."

Kitten is trying to suppress a laugh and just nods, "They are similar alright, though Anwen is more knowledgeable of the two." The two look at each other then the rest of the court. Althea looks confused Anwen thoughtful.

Ramsey shakes his head, "Having a king in your debt is no small matter young lady."

Anwen looks up at him, "Could you not call me that, I am over 150 years old."

Everyone looks surprised, Anwen shrugs, "Elves tend to look young till just a short time before they are to die."

The Pharaoh nods and looks thoughtful, "At any rate, you are proving an asset to my court. I hope you will continue to be so."

Anwen shrugs, "I presently serve Althea, who serves Kitten, who is serving you. So " shrugs again.

He nods, "Kitten serves Egypt actually. She has made that plain to me a long time ago. Well from my perspective. She likes this country and wants us to be great. I rely greatly on her advice and knowledge of other places. She has acted as a secret ambassador, a peace negotiator, and a trade advisor among other things I don't fully know about and most likely sleep better not knowing about.

Now she brings us you, someone who gets glimpses of the future, who can sense things beyond the normal human realms, who walks with gods like they are an equal. Whether you realize it or not you are a special person. I hope to make use of your talents in the future to."

Anwen smiles and bows, "Thank you your Majesty. And I have thought of some things, from my glimpses of the future. Some are tactics from wars yet to be fought, others are how future armies are trained, not sure how well I can explain those. Military stuff is not my strong suit. On the um, more mundane things. I have some nice magical devices that may be of use to you or your court. One in fact is very nice and only useable by a trained mage. Very handy though. It's how I was able to remove all the prisoners and send Kitten and Althea here. We dropped the others off in another country though, just so you know.

At any rate, it's called a Mirror of Mental Prowess. With it you can scry distant locations. Which many mages can do I know, but it can also open a door to those locations allowing people to pass through it. One at a time, but if used right, well I think someone like you can imagine the military value of being able to transport small groups behind enemy lines."

Ramsey slowly nods and smiles, then laughs. "Oh yes, I certainly can. I may call upon you soon for its' use. The talk on tactics would also be accepted. I am not foolish enough to believe I know it all."

Anwen nods, "It's things like that that makes you so famous to future peoples to."

The queen is looking thoughtful, "If this mirror is how they got here, how did you get here as I cannot see the mirror being pulled in behind you."

Anwen nods, "Oh I don't use the mirror for that. I just willed myself here. Following Althea's aura. The mirror is not my only magical device .. I sort of collect them. Some items I have are minor, some are not." Holding up a silver ring, "I got a light spell in this one, not very bright but it allows me to see where I want to go around the house or rooms, keeps me from stubbing my toes you know. While this one," blue turquoise and silver bird in flight, "is enchanted with a minor deflection spell. Only works on cantrips and such. Um cantrips are spells used by beginning mages to practice with. Some are useful some not so much and every group seems to end up with a prankster who comes up with ways to torment their fellow apprentices. I got so tired of those spells, so I made this. It causes the annoyance to fly back to the one who cast it."

There are some knowing looks shared around the few others in the room. Ramsey nods, "Yes I know about those, can you make me such a charm ? I have a nephew who is studying magic and has that sort of mentality."

Anwen nods, "Sure, just need an item. Something you wear allot would work best so as to not draw attention to it. I could possibly even show your own court magicians how to make such things." The queen nods, "The magicians are under my care. Ramsey handles the priest, mostly. I will set up a meeting with you and them for later in the week. Though I warn you, they can be a secretive bunch."

Nodding, "Oh that is normal really. Though I have no problems with sharing some of my simpler magics with them. I am not really all that skilled compared to most elven mages you see. I am only a journey man in rank."

That little admission actually pauses the meal cum meeting. The idea that She, one of the most powerful mages they have ever seen, is just a journey man standing by elven standards is an almost terrifying thought. Certainly improves their impression on the mysterious and elusive people.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Later, back in their rooms, after Kitten finally got a meal that was healthy, they are sitting around. Anwen is unpacking and sorting the stuff from her well packed bag. Althea is sharpening her bronze daggers and Kitten is looking through the gowns she has here.

Althea keeps glancing at the magic sword, "I wish you had daggers like that sword." she sighs.

Off hand, "I do, well not enchanted but steel ones sure." Althea sits up, eyes wide, "can I have a couple ?"

Anwen just pulls over her cloak, searches through it then pulls out two matched set steel daggers with matching black leather sheaths. "These should hold an edge better than your bronze ones to. Just don't let them sit in water, they will rust, have to use oils to keep them from rusting. I will show you later after I finish sorting."

Althea nods and takes them over to show Kitten who also marvels over the blades.

Kitten comes over, "Anwen, how many wonders are in that cloak anyway ?"

Anwen just stops and mentally counts, "Roughly a couple hundred, from row boats to horses, mules and small animals, tools, weapons, food items and some minor magic items. I think there is even a long sword in there, badly enchanted though. Enchantment drops every time it hits something till it's just a normal sword in the end. So I don't bother with it."

Althea comes over and stares at it, "Ok so it disguises you as someone very poor and is full of treasures. How long to empty it ?"

"Let's put it this way, Kitten will not live that long. It's an Artifact, meaning very powerful magic, it refills itself when an item is removed. Depending on the size of the item it can take 1 to 4 days for the corresponding patch to reappear. Also as a side note, the item to replace the taken one may not match the first one. Like the pie, today I got coconut cream, the next time I may get apple, or cherry or lemon. It will be a pie though."

Kitten is looking impressed, "Ok something that may outlive me is impressive. Now if it just carried blood in bottles."

Anwen nods, "I need to learn how to create the patches, but I may be able to add that in at some point. From what I understand the cloaks originally only had like 20 items in them, then mages kept adding things and adding things till it got to where it is today. Mind you it's got some strange things in it. Like for some reason, an angry badger. That is a small vicious animal. Could be worse though, could have been a wolverine, they make an angry badger look like a friendly critter."

New voice coming in, "Oh is that ever true. So glad those are not found in this side of the world."

The others look around as Bast comes in, Anwen is still sorting her pack without looking up.

Anwen nods, "Not as bad as an enraged Wendigo, but few things are."

Bast nods, but does not comment.

She looks around, picks up one of Althea's new daggers, looking very surprised then shoots a questioning look to the girl. Althea looks at Anwen then back to the Goddess.

Bast moves over and pokes the large leather duffle bag, then picks it up and looks it over, then clears her throat till Anwen glances up at her, Bast, "Anwen honey, where did you get this bag ?"

"Home"

Bast, "ah, and where is Home ?"

"3000 years in the future."

Bast just sits there quietly for a long time before putting down the bag and walking out of the room.

Arranging under garments, "And that is how you blow a gods mind." Kitten nods and Althea just works with her new daggers.

Kitten, "Think she will be back ?"

Nodding, "Probably went to get Thoth. Or maybe Ptah. Love to chat with him, he may be able to tell me who created the cloak."

Kitten turns and heads over to her wardrobe, looking for a nicer dress. If gods are coming she wants to look her best.

About an hour later, several animals types and 3 human types arrive from various locations. By this time Anwen is done resorting her bag and is now frowning over her limited clothing options, armor with accompaning undergarments and 1 outfit of medieval finery. Otherwise she is naked save for her very long hair (ankle length when standing, was in braids from the shoulders down when she originally arrived.)

Bast comes in first, finds a chair and sits, staring at the elfin woman. Thoth comes in next, pulls out his own chair and sits. Ptah is last, he just sits down in front of the girl and smiles, "Hello"

She looks up, then raises an eyebrow, "Hello"

Then they just stare at each other till Thoth lightly kicks the smaller god, "He wants us to get on with things." Anwen nods, "I was waiting for you to start to actually." Ptah actually giggles at that, "I was waiting for you to start. We would be here a long time that way would we not." Anwen nods, "Yes, especially as my mind went blank when I realized who you were. I have read about you, not allot because beyond being the creator of the Egyptian pantheon the only other things spoke about you becoming a god of crafting. Not usually how that works for creator gods you know."

He nods, "I like making things, not much at the ruling part though." Anwen nods, "Yeah I can relate to that, I only want to be responsible for myself and my actions, not other peoples."

Thoth clears his throat and gives Ptah a look.

Ptah makes a hush sign, "I was chosen to talk to you as I am the least imposing of those present." Anwen shrugs, "I used to talk to dragons, gods are easy after that. Tiamat is interesting if you can get her to focus. 5 heads you know, and she argues with herself sometimes."

Ptah nods, still smiling, "You are not impressed with us I take it."

Shrugging, "I am a very old soul, to the point that past life events are leaking through to my present mind. Also I have seen things that put allot of things in perspective. Multiple earths in multiple universes each with a different history, or events or even natural laws and then going out from there and seeing while there are near infinite earths they are just a tiny spec in all the events of all the universes in all of the multiple forms of creation.

After that I just stopped looking and have not gone out of myself since. Bit over whelming you know."

Ptah is now Really looking at her, seeing her and all her souls past and possible futures. He turns and looks back at the others, "An evolved soul who is hiding from what she could become. Different and interesting to say the least. She is not lying either. She is an old soul, I see in one of her past lives she was even a priest of yours Thoth, though not in this worlds history. Her soul has touched multiple worlds and even races. Her being here is a series of random events and pure chance in the form of a badly worded Greater Wish. Otherwise she would have been in a different world and time."

Anwen is watching Ptah speak and pulling all her stuff to her, holding it protectively and possessively.

Thoth slowly nods, "So can we send her back to that world ?"

Bast shakes her head, "That may not be possible or a good idea. I am not sure her mind could take that again and no Thoth I know you don't care about a single mortal mind, but this one has potentials to change the coming world in our favor. You know what happens in world after world, how something forces us back making it harder and harder to interact with the world till we are down to just the occasional vision or needy worshipers. She may know something to stop that."

Anwen, "Entropy, that is your enemy, everyone's enemy really. It is self-aware and seeks to end all of creation. The shifters call it the Wyrm. It's what made Caine a deal and drove the immortals in to the night and away from the light, it grants powers to the darkness and evil to push for its agenda of unending nothingness. The secret of the universe is 42, universal balance, keeping that balance is really hard because the forces that need to be in balance are not balanced themselves. And those 3 aspects are really just different forms of Entropy. The weaver would build till there is no place left to build in. Causing stagnation. The wild would grow and fight till it destroys itself or fills all the universe with Death and Destruction. The void seeks only the calmness of nothingness and decay."

Thoth looks like someone slapped him, Ptah thoughtful and Bast nods, "I see. That makes sense, and we never see it cause it has blinded us to its presence by making us think each form is not really it. Devious."

Anwen nods, "It also distracts you with petty things, frivolous concerns, and greed. Throwing enemies at you and all the while it wins. Creation just slows it down, the whole of everything is the battle between Creation and Destruction. Good, evil, law, chaos are really moot points in the grand scheme. Distractions for the whole. Need any other insights from the Center ?"

Thoth looks thoughtfully at her, "The Center ?"

Anwen nods, "Of all knowledge. At the very center of the plane of thought, where all the knowledge is kept. I made it there in this life time. I learned a few things, became aware of the world unconsciousness and decided I did not really want to know any more, but you can't stop it once your aware of it. Just slow down the flow. So I hide in dreams or distractions cause I don't want to know anymore."

Ptah pats her hand, "Rest child, I think we learned all we need to from you. And I don't know who made the first cloak, did not happen inside our pantheon. Sorry." Anwen nods, "ok, thanks anyway. Oh what about this." pulls out the staff, Ptah takes it smiles and nods, "I remember this yes. This was made by a gnome creation god. Before the gnomes went a wee bit crazy with their building of things. He liked rainbows and gems so the magic from this comes in multiple colors. I am glad you have it. You’re the least likely to misuse it in this present time and world. It does work as a spell focus to, increasing the potency of any magic you cast while carrying it." Anwen nods, "Cool. I kind of suspect the Gnome part, do to it being a 'staff' but the size of a cane." Ptah nods, "Good bye child. I don't know if we will meet again, but this has been most interesting and your insights most useful."

The gods and mystic animals all leave save for Bast she stays, looking thoughtful.

Kitten comes in to the room and sees Bast sitting thinking and Anwen on the floor hugging her pack again but no one else about. She can sort of feel like other presence were there before, but it's faint. She frowns as she was hoping to meet some of the local gods. Maybe learn a few things.

Bast looks up at her, then glances down at a bracelet she has then looks at the traumatized Anwen and scoots to the floor and puts her arms around the sorceress, "Sorry for that child. I sometimes forget how intense it is for mortals when so many of us come to one place."

Anwen rubs an eye, "It was not that, I am somewhat used to that feeling from before. It was Thoth threatening to 'send me home' and him not really knowing where my home is. I dread to think where I would end up."

Bast jolts a bit then laughs, "Oh yes I suppose that is something to be afraid of. He can be such a stick in the mud to. Knowledge gods get like that. Ok, small change of topic. You said you would tell me your origins before we got side tracked back there."

Anwen nods slowly, "ok" said in a tiny voice. Bast leans back but does not let her go, "so you going to tell me ?" she whispers to the girl.

Anwen takes in a long shaky breath then nods, "Just collecting my thoughts, stuffing them back in their bottle so to speak." Bast grins, catching the reference.

Almost word for word, but in a dead voice, Anwen tells the same story she told Kitten and Althea just a day before. Only when she gets to the destruction of the prison does kitten learn what happened there. About the female entity going in to a rage because something More had been done half way or half assed, another 'small thing' that was either over looked or not completed or something Anwen is not sure. But it left only to return a short time later covered in ghostly luminescent looking blood and gave her a spell book, one far better than what she was supposed to get originally. She also mentions the bop on the top of her head, but did not understand what that was for, not that she wanted to anger that entity any further. It was quite terrifying enough at that point. So when she left and Anwen knew she was bonded to Althea she left to join her using her new Psionic gifts. Voice going up, more emotions now Anwen whispers to the Goddess, "I really like the new abilities. I spent much of my life trying to unlock and control the powers I was born with then POOF I got a whole group I have always wanted but thought would never happen." Bast smiles, some understanding in her eyes.

Bast rubbing the girls head, "You have been through allot. Especially as you thought you were dreaming there at the beginning. They are bad about that, letting people think it is a dream till it is too late. I agree with that lady to, her job would be so much easier if they would just give her a list to work from rather than 'bullet points'. So many mistakes would not have happened otherwise. From what you told me it does explain her nervous breakdown. Someone like her who prides herself on getting things done properly and as close to right as possible, only to have to work with people who don't care about the quality of their work, that level of lazy would drive most gods mad. Let alone something like that being. I would treasure what she gave you, and I don't mean the book. That bop to the head, she was unlocking something with in you. Don't know what, and you may never be consciously … wait no, the type of mental training you gave yourself, your likely to figure it out." shaking her head she sighs, "I like you more than I probably should. You got spunk, you push through most things and think through others. I do understand why you are afraid to lose what you have now to. Gained so much, then to have it basically ripped away just as you were starting a new life and thrust in to a new new life. You are doing pretty well there child. One question for you. When you die, be it old age or what-ever, would you mind coming back as a cat ?"

Anwen smiles, "Can I keep my powers ?"

Bast grins wider, "Your mental ones sure."

Anwen rubs her head against Bast shoulder, "I do like cats. Especially black ones, double especially black Jaguars of the great Jungles of the Americas."

Laughing Bast ask, "Any other preferences." Looking up at the cat goddess, "Siberian white tigers"

Bast is now wheezing in her laugh, "House cats, remember."

Anwen thinks, "Maine Coon ?, Canadian Lynx ?"

Bast lets go of Anwen and rolls on the floor, having a hard time breathing from all her laughter. Eventually she catches her breath, "Should have known, from what you told us of your original life's origins you would know about cats of the world. I am surprised you did not bring up lions in that list."

Anwen shrugs, "Lions are ok I just like the first two big cats better, but you pointed out your area is the smaller versions and so I started thinking what sort of cats are kept as pets in common households. Cause let's face it, the big ones can get expensive to feed.

On the other hand I would love to be a cat shifter to. Then I could go crinos and pet myself." Bast starts chuckling again, "oh stop please, I am not sure I can keep up with all the laughing."

Kitten watching wonders aloud, "What is this 'crinos' ?

Anwen looking back, while keeping Bast in sight, "Crinos is an in between state in a shifters ability between the human aspect and the full animal aspect, having a balance mix of the two forms."

Bast nods, trying not to lose it to the giggles again. Taking in several deep breaths, "While tempting I don't think so. Though the image in my mind of a Maine Coon shifter is darling. Those are big loving kitties to be sure. Good hunters to." she points a claw at Anwen, "NO going to the Americas and trying to catch any as pets. We do not need the cross contamination That would cause. That goes for the Lynx to and Definitely no Jaguars. I really don't want to know what Sekmet would do if one of Those showed up here. I like my sister goddess, but she is a bit over the top emotionally speaking."

Anwen nods, "Oh no worries about the Jaguar, I have no desire to go traipsing around a jungle, especially That one. If the natives don't get you the wild life will. Hell there are tiny bugs in the water that can swim up your piss and eat you alive from the inside. Same goes for present day America's, less danger from the wild life, but a pale skinned wild elf would likely end up on someone's wall or as a trophy." indicating the loss of the head.

Bast see's something pop in to Anwens head, "No using your magic mirror either." Anwen shrugs, "Well if I really want a pet cat there is one in the cloak."

Bast blinks at that, "What ? a cat in .. GET IT OUT! who puts a cat in a magic cloak ?"

Anwen shrugs, "If I do another will appear in it in 1 to 3 days. The cloak self-reloads." Bast looks at Anwen then sighs, "what other animals are in that thing ?"

Ticking off on her fingers, "Couple horse with gear, mules, spider monkey, an enraged badger, um. "pulls the cloak over and starts feeling around in it. "A goat, several war dogs, in pairs, I think at least 6 as well as a matched pair of riding dogs, and um a chicken." feels around a bit longer then comes out and looks at the goddess, "I think that is everything at this point. I do know there are a few of these around and that they were apparently made by gods, I am thinking ones of mischief going by some of the items in there." She is rubbing her temples, "leave the cat then." Anwen shrugs, "I don't believe they are Actually in the patches, I think the patch locks on to a form and summons it to where ever the wearer is when a patch is removed. I came to this conclusion after reading the description on creating patches in the spell book the lady gave me. Cause the ones that put actually animals in to a patch for real usually come out dead. Being no food or air in there." She slowly nods, "That is a better answer and one you would think a Goddess would realize. I hope your right to. Magic items like those are not my strong suit. Ptah probably knows but he is notorious for not telling things in straight ways."

Anwen nods, "I caught that. When I asked about the cloak he said 'I don't know of one made here' not about who may of created This cloak specifically."

Bast smiles at her, "Yeah he probably thinks you missed that." Anwen nods, "I did at the time but I been playing back the conversation in my head and caught it then."

Bast is rubbing her temples again, "I need a drink, a strong one."

Anwen pulls over her pack, "Do you like Evermead ?" Bast nods, "Oh yes, love the stuff, but it is so hard to come by, why ?" Anwen pulls out a leather wrapped long bottle, "I have a couple bottles of the stuff actually."

Kitten actually goes and retrieves 3 clay mugs and returns with them very quickly, "I got these, not the best for such prime drink, but I don't know where to get anything better on short notice."

Anwen shrugs and pours a small amount in to the cups. Bast takes hers, sniffs It, awes over it and takes a sip. "Yes, this is the good stuff. Your goddess is very pleased by this sacrifice." she takes another sip of the potent elixir. Kitten is sipping from another cup, with Anwen watching in surprise. Kitten looks up, "Excellent vintage.. what I can drink other things I just usually don't." Anwen nods, "Should you not give the last mug to Althea ?" Kitten looks surprised, "Aren't you going to drink it."

Anwen shakes her head, "I really don't care for it myself. Not a big drinker of alcoholic beverages."

Bast pulls Anwens face around and looks her in the eye, "Then why do you have it."

Anwen shrugs, "It was part of the pack the Lady gave me also the recipe for that stuff is in my head. They granted me a couple of skills to help me make my way in the world. Given how much an average bottle of evermead can bring its' not a bad idea. Better than the leather working skills, someone has a naughty mind given the designs I got floating around in my head for that skill set."

Bast nods, "I like naughty but then I am a sex goddess to. What sort of things ?"

Anwen shrugs, "They are in the leather bag. I have not had the nerve to open it. I know what is there only cause they gave me an inventory list. That part they have gotten right so far and well I am embarrassed by some of that stuff as they made sure I would know how to make it with skill levels up to the middle centuries, um that’s roughly 2000 years of information in leather working and brewing and distilling. Anyway feel free to look."

Bast pulls over the large bag and try's to find how to open it till Anwen, sighing, pulls it over, unhooks the catch and pulls it open with the zipper. "Have fun." she says as she picks up the 3rd cup and goes looking for Althea.

Althea is in a nearby courtyard air fighting with her new knives, "Meeting over ?" she ask as Anwen comes out, "Only Bast is left and she is looking over some stuff in my bag. I brought you a cup of mead if you want it." Althea shakes her head, "Never touch the stuff, clouds the mind to much. I may have an occasional glass of wine but that’s pretty much it. " Anwen nods, "In my previous life, before all the wishing stuff, I only had 1 shot of a particular drink once a year, on new year's eve, to toast in the new year. This stuff was potent. Called Crème de Menthe, it had a strong mint flavor to it."

She grins, "I love mint myself, especially peppermint. But that is hard to come by in this country." Anwen nods, "Oh I adore peppermint myself, especially the candies made with it. And its such a healthy treat to."

Althea stops her blade dance and looks at her, "Healthy ?" Anwen nods, "Yep, helps the brain regenerate nerve endings. Good for improved memory or healing after an injury or stroke."

She considers that, "That is good to know. Maybe why I have such a good memory to, I tend to chew on the leaves when I find it in the wild." Anwen nods, "Yeah good stuff." smiles, "It's nice when you find someone with similar likes." Althea nods, "True. Does make living together easier as well. So what you going to do with that cup of mead ?" Anwen looks at it, "Probably give it to Kitten or Bast unless I find someone else who wants it first."

Althea shakes her head, "Don't give it to Kitten, one cup is her limit. Drunk blood drinkers are not healthy to be around and she can get drunk on that stuff very easily."

Anwen looks mildly surprised, "Really, huh, odd. I thought they needed blood mixed in to such to get that way."

Althea shrugs, "Normally yes but something about evermead, how it's made I suspect, goes around that rule."

Anwen, thinking over the ingredients', "Strange, nothing in it that would do that, honey, dew water, certain herbs, hmm nope, nothing I can think of. Ah well. I will see you later then. I best get back and get the bottle away from those two." Turns and teleports back to the room, snatching up the bottle from Kitten as she was reaching for it. A slightly bleary eyed vampiress glares at her, "Why you do that ? I jush gonna have a little bit more."

Shaking her head and checking the bottle, over half gone already, she steps over Bast who has a pleasant smile of someone in the early stages of a good drunking, "Althea warned me about you and this stuff. Too much and you get to be dangerous. So it's up to me to cut you off." Kitten pouts, "Stupid girl, always getting between me and the good stuff. Don't know why I keep her around sometimes."

Anwen, taking on a tough exterior, "Cause you love her and she loves you and you both watch out for the other. And now that I am stuck with you I am going to do my best to watch over you both as well."

Bast, from the floor, "You’re a good person Anwheee, tough shell soft insides, I like youse to. I think that is really realllly potent stuff you got there. Anymore and I won't be able to walk home."

Anwen nods, pouring the cup back in to the bottle, using a touch of TK to keep it from spilling, "As your on the floor now I don't think you are going to be walking anywhere soon. And you sound just as blotched as Kitten."

Bast thinks about that then nods, "good poot, pool, sharp end, I think I take a nap right here. You should give the ress bess bottle, to temple, makes priesss very happy like meee." and like that she falls asleep.

Taking the bottle and then on a separate thought gets her magic purse, stuffing the bottle in to it as well as it's mate, she heads for the main part of the palace. Leaving behind her cloak but taking her staff. (wearing her armor as its comfortable to do here and the other outfit is far too warm for this climate). She passes many servants who scurry out of her way till she finds herself in the main hall. Looking about and still trying to figure out the hierarchy around there, she approaches someone who looks like a priest, she thinks but could be a minor functionary, "Pardon me, uh could you help me for a moment ?"

The man turns and looks her over, seems to put her in 'visiting barbarian' in his head but nods all the same, "What do you need ?"

"Directions actually. Closest temple to Bast. " the functionary nods, "Out of curiosity may I ask why ?" She gives him a serious look then shrugs to herself, "I have a 'donation' to make to the goddess." he nods, "A worthy reason. There is a temple not far from here actually. You leave by the main entrance, go about 2 cross streets down, it will be up the 3rd street to the right on the left. Has statues of her outside of it." Anwen nods, "Thank you very much sir. May you have a good day." he smiles lightly, "You as well."

Anwen heads out nodding to the guards as she starts to leave only to be stopped by this small officious looking man in a bad wig. Given Everyone here wears wigs this is saying something. "Hold there stranger. I don't know how you came to be in the Palace but you can't just go where you please when you please."

Anwen nods, "Actually I am in the Palace by invitation."

The little man grunts, "A likely story. I highly doubt someone as outlandishly dressed as you would be allowed in to the presence of our most high lord let alone any minor official in this kingdom."

Running up behind him is a foreign looking man in a long grey robe and turban looking head dress. He grabs the back of the little mans shift, "Hold there Osman I know whom this person is and you were about to make a grievous mistake."

Osman sniffs, "Oh really Okmar, and Whom is this person ?"

Okmar makes a bow to Anwen, who nods in response but does not interfere, "This is the Elven mage, she arrived in court a couple of days ago, in a show of magic with the Lady Kitten, she is a guest of Ramseys himself."

Osman sniffs, "Well she should at least dress in some civilized manner then, not like whatever it is she is wearing."

Anwen looks down at herself, "It's armor actually, studded leather to be precise. And the items on my feet are called Stiletto boots, very good for hurting people who annoy me. Want a demonstration ?" Smiles wickedly at the little man, who is now noting the metal spikes coming out of the heels of these strange foot wares. "Um no that will not be necessary. You should not walk alone in this city, as a guest of the Pharaoh you should at least have a couple guards and a guide."

"I thought about that but I did not want to be a bother. Besides I only meant to visit a nearby temple." Osman thinks for a moment then waves over a guard, "This visitor needs a guide to the city, you will do it." The guard nods, "As you say Osman."

The guard turns to her and salutes with his spear, "Where are you headed ?" Anwen nods to him, "The temple of Bast." he nods and then turns to lead the way. Okmar falls in step with her, "May I join you ?"

Anwen nods, "Sure. You’re a mage I take it ?" He smiles and nods, "Yes though not as great as you I think." Anwen shakes her head, "I am not all that great really. I just have allot of nice toys. Skill wise I am only a journey man ranking, just working out the 3rd ranking of spells and though I know allot about theory, application I am still working on."

He grins and nods, "You are humble as well. Nice to see and rare to find. I am a little farther along in my studies, but only to the 4th rank of spells so we are close in power. Perhaps we can share notes at some point."

Anwen nods, "The queen said she was arranging for me to do such with the palace mages but I welcome the opportunity to share knowledge with others. Discussions with others in the craft is usually a good. This all came about because I offered to make the Pharaoh a minor protection device against cantrip level spells. He has a nephew going in to the craft who has a propensity for the more um, creative and embarrassing type."

Okmar nods, "Prank type, yes I know the sort. Having a good shield device is pretty much a necessity if you are going to train apprentices. Those first rank spells, though minor, are still a hassle."

Looking mildly perplexed, "1st rank spells ?" nodding to her, "Yes cantrips are of the 1st rank."

"Huh" states Anwen, "I never counted them as a rank, they are learning tools and good for minor jobs, never thought to count them as a true spell before. Some of my teachers counting them as part of the next level of spells though which I thought was a bit silly as you can only do so many of those a day but cantrips, being so easy, can be done many more times a day."

He considers this and nods, "I see your point. HA, though this means we are likely closer in power than I originally thought. Still it is good. We know different things and can learn from one another."

Anwen nods, "True and discussions bring forth new knowledge's sometimes as well. New insights that some may not have considered before. Like this little discourse on cantrips and their placement in understanding. It can vary between different cultural backgrounds. Are you by chance Arabic ?"

Okmar looks surprised, "Why yes, how did you know ?"

Anwen, "Color of skin, style of dress mostly. Though I have only read descriptions of your people before and some of the beings found in your peoples part of the world. Some of them sound simply fascinating. And a few sound fascinating at a safe distance, say from here." He laughs and nods, "Yes I feel that way about some of the beings there myself. Like my brothers in-laws." Anwen grins and nods, "oh yes, sometimes those can be worse than the monster classed types." he agrees and even the guard snickers at that comment.

Okmar nods then ask, "May I ask a personal question ?" Looking at him she shrugs, "Sure."

"Why are you wearing armor ?" he ask curiously.

Licking her lips she smiles, "Ah that. Well 2 reasons actually, one it helps in my second occupation as a sword wielder and two I lost most of my luggage on my trip here. I got only one other outfit and it's for winter in the mountains. So not something you want to wear in this climate."

He looks surprised, "Second occupation ?" Anwen nods, "Many elves, because of our long life spans, have more than one occupation. I am trained in magic, sword fighting, leather working and brewing and distilling, ironically Alchemy confuses me. Just can't wrap my mind around some of those concepts."

He looks at her in wonder, "I had heard rumors of your peoples long life but never having met one of your kind I did not know whether to believe that or not."

Anwen nods, "Yeah, strangely we are not the longest living beings in the world. That actually goes to a kind of giant tortoise. They can live thousands of years. There is one being kept by the royal family of Oceanous that has lived through 3 generations of elves. That branch of the family lives around 500 years on average. So when they find other species with long lives they make note of them."

He nods, "That branch of the family ?"

Anwen nods, "Different kinds of elves have different life spans. The wood elves only live 3 to 400 hundred years, the sea elves, called that because the live on or by the sea only around 500 years where as the Grey elves have been known to live over a thousand years. But they live in the mountains and have almost as much stone in their heads as the dwarves. I have a few relatives in that branch so maybe a tad prejudice about them. Mostly I am of the wood elf type." He nods looking thoughtful.

"How much do you know about dwarves ?"

"Um more than some less than the dwarves themselves." grins. "Dwarves, gnomes and some other species are also long lived. Not sure how long gnomes live, I know they are very short and love gems. Dwarves are taller and broader then gnomes, like metal, smithing, gems, gold, family, they are very family oriented, and beards. They take great pride in their beards. In some species of dwarves even the women have beards, but that is not true of all of them. There are mountain dwarves, hill dwarves, deep dwarves, those you're not likely to ever meet unless you travel far underground, um gully dwarves, don't know much about them, and even some surface dwarves. Those are the ones your most likely to meet. They have some good music, mostly of the percussion type and brew some potent ales and beers. Not much for wines from what I hear. They can come off dour to outsiders but have their fun side to. Finding it may take a while. Normally Elves and Dwarves don't get along, but if a common enemy comes along they will join forces so fast your head may spin. They will argue the entire time and toss insults at each other, but never breach the trust. I really don't know why we are that way. Never made sense to me. But then I am weird and like actually traveling around and meeting new people." he is actually giggling at the end of the tirade of information.

The guard speaks up, "We are here. I will wait out here for your return Mistress." Anwen nods, looking up at the place, "Wow, nice . Thank you sir for leading us here. I hope not to be to long."

The inside of the temple is cool and shaded and full of cats. More cats then people in fact. There are a few worshippers about and some priest and priestesses. Anwen looks around then at a regal looking feline, "Pardon me, but could you direct me to the human priest in charge of offerings ?" The cat actually looks surprised, "I like that your trying to talk to me but I doubt you can hear my answer."

Looking thoughtful, "Oh I can hear it just fine. I am a wood elf, we have the ability to speak to all natural creatures."

The cats, all within range suddenly move toward her and start talking all at once. Laughing and making slow down gestures, "Ok ok, I understand you all have things you want the humans to know, but one at a time please." there is a short fight among the felines and the top cat, standing on the back of a defeated one nods regally, "I will speak first. On one topic I think many will agree on. Food. We are so tired of the fish they give us each week. It's nice but some variety is needed. A little red meat on occasion or even some nice wild grass. We used to have a nice field of it not far from here, but someone put a building on it."

Anwen nodding, "Yeah I know how some grasses are good for the digestion. I used to live with a cat who swore by a particular kind that grew near our home. She was very particular about it to." several purr or otherwise agree with that sentiment.

"Tell you what, you all form a little committee, discuss what sorts of things you want me to tell the humans here and I will try. You all know humans, they often mean well but follow through is not so good." Every cat in the group just nods, as one. THAT gets all the humans around to pay attention to the crazy foreigner talking to the cats. A priestess comes up, "You can actually understand them ? " The lead cat sits on it's hind feet and looks at her, not saying anything.

Anwen grins, "Yes but I don't understand the body language moves very well. It's all mind to mind speak really. Though that is not important, Bast instructed me to come here and drop off something. So I am here."

She looks dubious, "Bast herself, talked to You ?" Frowning at the girl, "I can talk to cats, but you don't believe Bast would talk to me, let me guess, because I am some strange foreign person. Well this strange foreign person has spoken to her, in person, she is at the Palace, or was earlier. She is a tad bit drunk when I saw her last."

The high priest and priestess have come over and the priestess nods, "She does like to visit the palace. Something about the food." Anwen shrugs, "I don't know, the stuff they eat there is just not to my taste. But then I can be a picky eater. Anyway." opening her purse and pulling out the partially empty bottle, "She told me to give this to you all, she drank some of it, liked it allot, and felt like sharing it with you. It's Evermead, pretty fair one I am told. I don't drink the stuff myself so I can't say."

The priestess excepts the bottle and the moment she does so, gods and goddess of every description walk in to being, each holding a glass, cup, or mug.

Anwen grins, "I take it Evermead is popular among you all ?"

Anubis looks over at the young elf, "Yes actually. It is very rare here and many of us prize it. Your sharing of a bottle of it is, um, well we all want a taste. Bast got a good taste of it and she is picky about her drinks. So of course the rest of us are curious now to."

The priestess looks at the bottle, "I am afraid there is not enough for everyone to have a full taste."

Anwen waves her off, "I have a second bottle of the same vintage. If you all love it so much I am happy for you to have it. To Share mind you."

A goddess surrounded by floating runes and hieroglyphics smiles, "Your certainly building up points with we gods child. Keep this up and you may get pulled in to the pantheon."

Anwen looks struck, "oh please no. I really Do not want to go that route. No offense but I have been around enough of your type to know how stressful your jobs are. It's not one I personally would ever want."

That actually gets several grins and nods from the assembled gods and goddesses. The one with the runes grins at her, "Yes, it is not something for everyone. You show wisdom in realizing that." she takes her sip of the fine wine and sighs, "You are correct, this is a good vintage. Thank you. I only wish there was more."

Anwen shrugs, "I actually know how to make it. It just takes time. Or a really good time alteration spell. Meh, I am years away in both skill and experience before I can start to work that out." The runed one and a few others nod about that. Then Anwen postulates, "Though a time dilation spell in the cantrip order… naw only alter time by a few hours that way. It would be a start though."

One old male god turns to his neighbor, "Genius at work, hide the good silverware and highly explosive items." his neighbor nods, getting his sip of the elixir.

Anubis moves over to her, "Keep that line of thought up and I will be seeing you in 50 years, as you die from old age." Anwen snorts, "Oh I am not that stupid, besides I am an elf, slower aging and all that. And if worse comes to worse. Lets' see" pulls out her master spell book, which pretty much stops the crowd, the rune covered lady, sounding suspicious, "Where did you get that ?"

"Was a gift from an Entity. Bast said something about her having a nervous breakdown and beating the crap out of a few beings. She gave it to me after that. The entity not Bast. AH here we go, level 10 spell, hmm, does not sound too hard, hm, easier to use the level 9 wish spell but wording can be tricky there." glancing up, "Oh pull it in, this book only gives descriptions and hints to work from, not the actual spells. She was not That crazy. Handing me something like that would have been like giving a nuclear warhead to a toddler."

Anubis stands a little closer, "What do you know of nuclear warheads." Anwen, ignoring the death gods' glare, "Splitting atoms is dangerous and should not be done by amateurs or humans in general. Not that it ever stops them from trying." Glancing at the assembled gods, "I was pulled from a different time space continuum to this one by a long rambling badly worded wish. The time I come from is space exploration using ships powered by science instead of magic. More rockets fewer spell jammers. Anyway that wish is one of the things that triggered the lady Entities breakdown."

Minor god, "Why don't you use the ladies name ?" he inquires, Anwen states as she pours out the last drop in to a cup, "I don't know it. She never told me, but then I never thought to ask either."

Lady of the Runes nods, "Good reason. Thank you for the wine my dear. You show great promise as a mage and though I am sure your rambling is more nerves than anything else, you showed great restraint even with Anubis trying to bully you."

"Thoth tried it earlier, Ptah shut him down." The lady nods, "Yes men often try that I have found."

Anubis shrugs, "This one is not afraid of death. Not sure if that is guts or stupidity." Different goddess, one whose gown is covered in stars, "Old soul my dear, she has been reborn many times and remembers much of them. I sent an avatar to listen to her tale. Had I known she had this fine wine I may have gone in person." and with the last drop drank, they are gone.

The priest all look about. The cats have wisely scattered. Anwen looks about then sighs, "Oh the cats wanted to ask if you could change up their diet a little. Different kinds of fish and some occasional red meat. Oh and they want some grass, living types. They like to roll in it and eat it. Some kinds of grass are good for their digestion." The priest and priestesses all nod but say not a word. Anwen looks at her empty bottles and sighs, "Gods are really good at mooching." she states as she places the bottles back in her bag. She turns, walks outside to the guard, "Thank you for waiting. Not sure how long I was in there. Lots of moochers showed up asking for samples of the wine I brought.

I will go back on my own now. " he nods and walks down the step. Anwen watches him go, then she just vanishes from the temple, only to appear back in her rooms.

Those who were watching her at or around the temple all started when she just vanished. No spell cast, no ritual done, just Gone.

Those who had actually followed her with in the temple and saw, from a distance, all the gods appear and beg something from her, are now in awe of her. Some would be enemies decide she is too dangerous to face while others wonder at what magical potion could compel the gods themselves to beg from such a one as she. Some move forward hoping to learn her strange secrets while others regroup and decide to look for less dangerous opponents. And a few seek to protect this innocent traveler from herself or others, for they know what evils lurk in their lands.